COAL IN THE KING COUNTRY.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13439, 10 June 1912, Page 2

COAL IN THE KING COUNTRY.

■ Tho existence of coal in various portions of tlie King Country has long been known, and even now :i eonf>idorriliV quantity of coal in mined at JMokau, -and conveyed by steamer to Taranaki. Th:» coal measures at Mokau aro <>i Rood dimension and are known to extend for a considerable dittaneo. In tho Ohura aro to bo found some excellent outcrops, and at the pro font time, on Air. Barnett's property at Waitewhona Liiero are ■excellent prospects for a first claims supply, fn other localities tho experience is Uit> same, and tho conclusion in forced upon one that tho wholo district is probably eoalbcprinft. For some time past tho directors of the Pio Pio and Aria factories havo been consitleriiig thel question of having seams that v.-oiv known to exist in tho district opened up and tested. In response to tho representations of the directors mentioned a visit was paid to To Kuiti on Tuesday last by Mr. F. Reed, inspecting engineer of tho Mines Department at Wellington, for the'purpose- of investigating the coal deposits of Wairero and the neighbouring district. On his return to Te Kuiti on Thursday, Mr. Hood was interviewed by a representative of the ■Te Kuiti "Chronicle." He stated there was no doubt the whole country right through the Mokau was coalbearing, and he had been much interer.ted in what lie had seen. Of the actual outcrops he had visited Mr. Reed could say but little as no development work had been done, and. only' the bare surface was discernible. They did not appear to be of any great size, but it was difficult to express an opinion without having them opened up to a certain extent. Speaking generally, Mr. Reed was of opinion that coal was likely to bo obtained anywhere in the district. He was considerably impressed with the country, and from its general character, thought it extremely likely if -a coal seam was struck at a little depth it would be highly valuable. Outcrops in the country that was somewhat unbroken were generally of little value, as they failed to maintain their continuity. From tho indications ho had observed he thought coal should be obtained at no great depth, and was of opinion that a bore at. Te Kuiti might bring good results. As far as indications went there was just as much promise of striking coal at To Kuiti a-a at Huntly. There was even a chance of picking up a continuation of the large Huntly seams. Asked as to whether1 he considered the Government could be induced to put down a trial boro at Te Kuiti, Mr. Reed said that was a matter for the local people to take in hand. If they thought anything could be accomplished they could put their request before the authorities for consideration. The indications were so favourable that he would not be surprised of a. good seam of coal was struck at a reasonable depth at Te Kuiti